CALIFORNIA GARLIC & ONION RESEARCH COMMITTEE

The California Garlic and Onion Research Committee was established January 1, 2005 as a state marketing order under the supervision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The driving force behind the establishment of the marketing order was a concern by growers, processors and handlers to manage the rapidly spreading threat to Allium production areas by the fungal pathogen white rot (Sclerotium cepivorum). Through mandatory assessments, it is our goal to fund $100,000 annually for basic and applied research as well as for demonstration projects. We highly encourage receiving proposals that allow cost sharing from other sources.

Purpose: Organize onion and garlic growers to develop a white rot management program

Conduct long and short term research in white rot management

Develop a white rot Master Plan to prevent further spread of the disease

Maintain California as a leader in garlic and onion production, processing and distribution

Conduct research and survey programs related to disease prevention, pest management, tillage, irrigation and harvesting as determined by the membership

California is the largest producing state in the U.S. of garlic and onions. California produces 90%+ of the commercial garlic in the U.S., with adjoining states Nevada and Oregon the major seed garlic producing states. California is the largest producer of processing onions in the U.S. and one of the top fresh market onion producers. Garlic and onions are major vegetable crops in California with each contributing $150 - 300 million farm gate value annually.